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Thursday, 15 October 2015

220) 50 Years of the 1965 Indo-Pak War : Commemorative stamps and Coins issued by the Department of Posts, India & the India Government Mint, Mumbai respectively:

220)
50 Years of the 1965 Indo-Pak War: Commemorative stamps and Coins issued by the Department of
Posts, India and the India Government mint, Mumbai respectively:

I was only seven years
old, when the Indo-Pak War of 1965 broke out.

The following narrative is
from my memory as a young lad:

My uncle, Colonel Vinod Kumar Gupta (who retired as in the 1980s
from the Indian Army) was a Captain in the war and had already taken part in the
Chinese Action in 1962. He was deployed in the Western Sector in some of the areas
that saw the fiercest land battles for occupation and control of Enemy
territory, particularly the Icchogil canal.

If I remember correctly,
his Batallion, 5 Guards, (Brigade of the Guards), had to cross the canal in portable
canoes/boats which came under heavy fire from the enemy entrenched on the far
side – a battle reminiscent of the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy,
France. His men managed to survive the devastating enemy fire and
landed on the other side where the Indian troops already in battle were pinned
down,having lost several of their officers.My uncle took charge of the Indian
troops on the ground and after several fierce skirmishes, including hand to
hand battles and silencing enemy machine-gun nests, the Indian troops
controlled the area. They held the captured
area along the Icchogil Bund and succeeded in repulsing massive onslaughts from
the enemy troops to recapture the area.

This position paved the
way for wave after wave of Indian troops to penetrate deep into enemy
territory. Thereafter, 5 Guards went on to capture Burki village deep in Pakistani territory just 4/5 kilometres from Lahore, when the cease-fire was declared. The day of the capture of Barki village is regarded as "Battle Honours Day" for 5 Guards i.e. achieving the stated objectives without sustaining any losses.

I recall that everyone
including my grandfather & grandmother and all of us were glued to the
transistor/radio for getting the latest information on the battles which my
uncle fought in. Those were terrible days that no one in the family wants to
talk about – waiting continuously for news that my uncle and his troops were
safe.

The
1965 War:

Honour, selfless service and the spirit of
sacrifice are ingrained tenets of the Indian Armed forces, preserved as part of
their glorious tradition, enabling them to acquit themselves commendably both
in war and peace. In the face of grave personal danger, the Indian Soldier,
Sailor and Air Warrior has never hesitated in making the supreme sacrifice in
the line of duty, a fact that has been evident throughout the history of our
Nation, in the face of several challenges faced. One such example of valour of
the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces was witnessed in 1965, wherein our
Forces exhibited tremendous grit, determination and fortitude, living up to the
faith reposed in them by the Indian Nation.

Beginning in October
1947, when it engineered a tribal invasion to capture Kashmir, Pakistan had
chosen to follow a path of conflict with India and sought to achieve by war
what it could not achieve through diplomacy.

In August-September
1965, the Indian Armed Forces went to War a second time in the defence of
the country.

Initially Pakistani forces
attacked Kutch in Western India. Subsequent skirmishes in the Kashmir Valley by
infiltrators numbering between 26000 to 33000 were designed to surprise the
Indian Armed Forces. The Pakistan Army’s 50th Airborne paratroopers
and Guerrillas disguised as locals entered Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan with
a goal to foment an insurgency and start a rebellion among Kashmiri Muslims
against India. The incursions by the end of August 1965 met with failure as the
infiltrators were soon discovered and did not meet with any support from the
locals. (Operation Gibraltar was the code-name
given to this Operation by Pakistani Army top Brass. If you ask me, it was a
poorly chosen name – as Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and in the
last Great Siege carried out by Spain to recapture Gibraltar Fort, proved to be
disastrous for Spain. The Gibraltar Fort was successfully defended by a few hundred British soldiers against a Spanish force of about 1.00 lac men for several
months. During the Great Siege, the Kohler Depression Gun was invented by
Lieutenant Kohler, a British Army Officer, whose invention could fire
cannon-balls at a 5 degree inclination and kept the besiegers from getting
close to the Fort gates, as such, like the Spanish “Great Siege”, the Pakistani Army Operation
was named after a failed Operation, if one takes a page out of history).

The failure of Operation
Gibraltar culminated in Pakistan launching Operation Grand Slam with an all-out
attack by Pakistani armour in the Chhamb Area of Jammu Province which had an
objective of cutting off the Jammu-Srinagar highway and prevent the Indian Army
from providing relief to the encircled areas by Pakistan.

(Operation
Grand Slam was the plan drawn up by the Pakistani Army in May 1965 to attack the vital
Akhnoor bridge in Jammu and Kashmir which would cut off the supply line of an
entire Infantry Division in Jammu and Kashmir and also threaten Jammu which was
an important logistical point for the Indian forces. This Operation too ended
in failure as the stated objectives of the Pakistan army were not achieved and
they were forced to retreat following a counter-attack by the Indian army and
Indian Air Force.

There
is a hilarious version of the poor intelligence received by the Pakistani
armoured strike column which I remember from memory as recounted by my uncle – it seems that the Pakistani armour halted at a cross-roads they came upon in
Indian territory not knowing whether to take the left fork or the right one, on
account of poor intelligence on the ground, which indecision helped the Indian
Armed Forces to launch massive counter-attacks through the Indian Air Force
(IAF) at first light, which knocked out several tanks and the Indian Army to
build up a massive counter-attack. The official version given out by Pakistan is, however, that there was
a change of Generals to lead the armoured offensive into Indian territory, as such the
main thrust of the attack was delayed by one day, leading to counter attacks by
the Indian Army and Air Force on several sectors, forcing the invasion army to
retreat to safer territory).

The Indian Armed Forces,
despite being lightly equipped in all sectors, fought valiantly in the true
spirit of the Indian soldier, with resilience to adversity.

The response by the Indian Infantry and Armour:

The Pakistani Forces were
in for a rude shock when the Indian Armed Forces responded effectively with
lightning speed and operations by the Indian Armed Forces brought the Pakistani
strike columns in both the Eastern and Western sectors to a grinding halt. This
was achieved through leadership and adroit application of operational tactics.

Some commendable achievements
of the Indian Armed Forces were the capture of Hajipir Pass, blunting of the
Pakistani offensive in Chhamb-Jaurian, Battle of Asal Uttar (meaning “Real
Answer”), the Icchogil Canal and the subsequent advance into Lahore.

The tank battles of 1965
are made of legendary stuff and were the most intense since World War II. On
10.09.1965, a massive blow was struck to a huge column of Pakistani tanks when
the offensive of Pakistan’s 1st armoured Division was blunted at the
Battle of Asal Uttar, in the Khemkaran Sector.

The response by the Indian Air Force:

The timely entry of the Indian Air Force into the conflict provided additional
impetus that eventually stalled Pakistan’s nefarious designs, especially in the
Chhamb-Jaurian Sector.

Poised against the
Pakistani Air Force which was equipped with much more sophisticated and modern
inventory of fighter aircraft, the Indian Air Force (IAF) responded valiantly
and provided air support against heavy odds and blunted the Pakistani offensive
from the Air in both the Eastern and Western Sectors. The grit and valour
displayed by Indian pilots added another chapter in the glorious history of the
IAF.

Guarding the Seas by the Indian Navy:

The Indian Navy too was
deployed to ensure the defence of the Eastern and Western coasts and the Island
territories. The Indian Fleet remained vigilant and carried out intensive
patrols and sweeps within India’s Continental shelf. Naval aircraft were on
surveillance round the clock and these pre-emptive initiatives kept the
Pakistani naval fleet anchored at Karachi port.

Capturing substantial Pakistani Territory:

Ultimately, 1500 sq. miles
(3900 sq. kms) of Pakistani Territory was under occupation by Indian Army, as
against only 337 sq miles (540 sq. km (approx) of Indian Territory fell under Pakistani
occupation.

Battle Honours and remembering our Warriors:

The sacrifices of the 1965
War are exemplified in the collective bravery displayed by the Indian Armed Forces.
The valour of the soldiers was recognised through the award of 16 Battle
honours and three Theatre Honours, two Param Vir Chakras (PVCs), numerous Maha Vir
Chakras (MVCs), Vir Chakras (VCs) and several Mentions-in-Despatches.

The legends of the bravery
and devotion to duty of CQMH Abdul Hamid and Lt. Col. A B Tarapore, who were
posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakras, will live on in the glorious annals
of the Indian Armed Forces among others.

Commemorative
stamps issued on the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 War with Pakistan
by Department of Posts, India:

Three Rupee Five Stamps
have been brought out by the Department of Posts, India one each on the Army,
Air Force and the Navy.

The above is an image of a
First Day Cover (FDC) brought out by the Department of Posts, India bearing a
legend on the left hand bottom “Valour and Sacrifice – 1965 War”. On the right
hand top are the three stamps of Rupees Five each – the first one showing three
soldiers of the Indian army making rapid advances against the enemy, the second
stamp shows a refitted World War II vintage Folland Gnat taking on a much
superior aircraft of the Pakistani Air force, while the third stamp shows a battleship
of the Indian Navy patrolling/guarding the Indian coast-line, ready for any
eventuality.

A set of six stamps each
representing the three Arms of the Indian Armed Forces in my collection.

Commemorative
Coins issued by the Mumbai Mint on the 50th Anniversary (Golden
Jubilee) of the 1965 Operations (Indo-Pak War-1965):

Two Commemorative Coins
have been issued by the Mumbai Mint in the denominations of Rs.50/- (Rupees
Fifty) and Rs.5/- (Rupees Five) on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the
1965 Operations in the Indo-Pak War in the Proof and Uncirculated Coin
Categories.

I have received a Proof
Coin set from the Mumbai Mint, details of which are as under:

The above is an image of
the Cover of the Coin Album.

The Cover shows the
Officers and Soldiers of the Indian Army in various actions – manning a Field
Artillery Gun, a mortar unit, Armoured Tanks readying for action, an Indian
Army Platoon hoisting the Indian tri-colour at a position captured in the
Pakistani heartland, India’s popular Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri
standing with the Army Chief on the Frontier after inspecting/visiting
India’s forward lines. The cover bears the inscriptions – “Smarak Sikke” (in Hindi) and “Commemorative Coins” (in English). At
the bottom is inscribed “1965 Samrik
Abhiyan Ka Swarn Jayanti Varsh – 2015” (in Hindi) and “Golden Jubilee of
1965 Operations – 2015” (in English). Towards the bottom right is mentioned the
quality of the Coin Set, “Proof 2 Coins”.

The above is an image of
pages 2 of the Proof Coin set.

The
short description reads: “Honour, selfless service and the
spirit of sacrifice are ingrained tenets of the Indian Armed Forces enabling
them to acquit themselves commendably both in war and peace. In the face of
grave personal danger, the Indian Soldier, Sailor and air Warrior have never
hesitated in making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. One such example
of this “Glorious saga” was witnessed in 1965, wherein our Armed Forces
exhibited tremendous grit, determination and fortitude, living up to the faith
reposed in them by the Indian Nation and its leaders.

It was in 1965, the Indian
armed Forces were put to test by Pakistan for a second time, wherein Pakistani
forces attacked in the area of Kutch. Subsequently, skirmishes in the Kashmir
valley and thereafter the armoured attacks in Chhamb area of Jammu Province
were witnessed.

The Indian Armed Forces,
fought valiantly in the true spirit of the Indian Soldier. This was achieved
through superior leadership and adroit application of operational art.
Significant achievements by Indian armed Forces that could find its place in
the annals of the military history were the capture of the Haji Pir Pass and
the Battles of Asal Uttar in the Khem Karan Sector, the most intense tank to
tank battles since World War II.

The war also witnessed
large scale aerial combats for the first time since independence wherein the
timely entry of the Indian air Force provided additional impetus that
eventually stalled Pakistan’s nefarious designs, especially in the
Chhamb-Jaurian Sector. The Navy too standing by its ethos and camaraderie
continued to provide its unflinching support to the Armed Forces thus
facilitating in achieving a decisive victory over Pakistan.”

The above is an image of
page 3 of the Coin Album showing the Obverses of the two commemorative coins –
Rs 50/- (Rupees Fifty) and Rs.5/- (Rupees Five).

In the background are
shown Indian Army Officers and men engaged in various fields of battle – tanks at
the ready and in battle formation, Field guns manned by their gunners and a Vehicle
mounted mortar unit moving into battle, a tank unit celebrating its well-earned
victory and the famous picture an Indian Army Platoon hoisting the Indian tri-colour
at a position captured in the Pakistani heartland.

The above is an image of
the Obverse of the Rs.50/- (Rupees Fifty) Coin.

In the Centre is the Coat
of Arms/Emblem of the Indian Government – the Lion Capitol of Samrat Ashok, the most famous Emperor of
Ancient India along with the motto coined by Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, Freedom
Fighter & the Founder of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – “Satyameva Jayate” (in Hindi) meaning “Truth
Always Prevails”. On the left periphery is the name of the issuing country “Bharat”
(in Hindi) and on the right periphery is the name of the issuing country “India”
(in English). The denomination of the Commemorative Coin “Rs.50/-” is mentioned
on the bottom periphery.

The above is an image of
the Obverse of the Rs.5/- (Rupees Five) Coin.

In the Centre is the Coat
of Arms/Emblem of the Indian Government – the Lion Capitol of Samrat Ashok, the most famous Emperor of
Ancient India along with the motto coined by Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, Freedom
Fighter & the Founder of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – “Satyameva Jayate” (in Hindi) meaning “Truth
Always Prevails”. On the left periphery is the name of the issuing country “Bharat”
(in Hindi) and on the right periphery is the name of the issuing country “India”
(in English). The denomination of the Commemorative Coin “Rs.5/-” is mentioned
on the bottom periphery.

The above is an image of
page 4 of the Coin Album showing the Reverses of the two commemorative coins –
Rs 50/- (Rupees Fifty) and Rs.5/- (Rupees Five).

In the background are
shown Indian Army Officers and men engaged in various fields of battle – tanks at
the ready and in battle formation, Field guns manned by their gunners and a Vehicle
mounted mortar unit moving into battle, a tank unit celebrating its well-earned
victory and the famous picture an Indian Army Platoon hoisting the Indian tri-colour
at a position captured in the Pakistani heartland.

On the left is mentioned “Veerta Aur Balidaan” (in Hindi) and “Valour and Sacrifice” (in
English). In the centre is a memorial stone which bears the inscription “Amar Jawan” (in Hindi), meaning the “Immortal
Soldier/Warrior”. The memorial stone bears the reversed arms of a fallen
soldier in the defence of his country and his helmet. Two sprigs of laurel (symbolising
victory) flanking the memorial in a symbolic reference that the Nation
remembers their sacrifices in keeping it safe and victorious. The year of issue
“2015” is mentioned at the extreme bottom.

Notice
the “M” mint mark on this coin below the year of issue which is reserved by the
Mumbai Mint for Proof coin issues only.

The above is an image of
the Reverse of the Rs.5/- (Rupees Five) Coin.

The Reverse of the Rs 5/- (Rupees Five) Coin bears the
inscription on its upper periphery “1965
Samrik Abhiyaan Ka Swarn Jayanti Varsh” (in Hindi) and “Golden Jubilee 1965
Operations” (in English). On the left is mentioned “Veerta Aur Balidaan” (in Hindi) and “Valour and Sacrifice” (in
English). In the centre is a memorial stone which bears the inscription “Amar Jawan” (in Hindi), meaning the “Immortal
Soldier/Warrior”. The memorial stone bears the reversed arms of a fallen
soldier in the defence of his country and his helmet. Two sprigs of laurel (symbolising
victory) flanking the memorial in a symbolic reference that the Nation
remembers their sacrifices in keeping it safe and victorious. The year of issue
“2015” is mentioned at the extreme bottom.

Notice
the “M” mint mark on this coin below the year of issue which is reserved by the
Mumbai Mint for Proof coin issues only.

The Famous Picture an
Indian Army Infantry Troops hoisting the Indian tri-colour at a position
captured in the Pakistani heartland.

Posted on 10.02.2015: I havereceived twocirculating Five Rupee coin from general circulation, through Jayant Biswas, a few days back:

The above is an image of
the Obverse of the Rs.5/- (Rupees Five) circulating Coin.

In the centre is the Coat
of Arms/Emblem of the Indian government – the Lion Capitol of Samrat Ashok, the most famous Emperor of
Ancient India along with the motto coined by Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, Freedom
Fighter & the Founder of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – “Satyameva Jayate” (in Hindi) meaning “Truth
Always Prevails”. On the left periphery is the name of the issuing country “Bharat”
(in Hindi) and on the right periphery is the name of the issuing country “India”
(in English). The denomination of the Commemorative Coin “Rs.5/-” is mentioned
on the bottom periphery.

The above is an image of
the Reverse of the Rs.5/- (Rupees Five) Circulation Coin.

The Reverse of the Rs 5/- (Rupees Five) Coin bears the
inscription on its upper periphery “1965
Samrik Abhiyaan Ka Swarn Jayanti Varsh” (in Hindi) and “Golden Jubilee 1965
Operations” (in English). On the left is mentioned “Veerta Aur Balidaan” (in Hindi) and “Valour and Sacrifice” (in
English). In the centre is a memorial stone which bears the inscription “Amar Jawan” (in Hindi), meaning the “Immortal
Soldier/Warrior”. The memorial stone bears the reversed arms of a fallen
soldier in the defence of his country and his helmet. Two sprigs of laurel (symbolising
victory) flanking the memorial in a symbolic reference that the Nation
remembers their sacrifices in keeping it safe and victorious. The year of issue
“2015” is mentioned at the extreme bottom.

Notice
the "Diamond" Mint mint mark of the Mumbai Mint on this coin below the year of issue, as againt the "M" Mint Mark in theProof Coins Set above, which is reserved by the
Mumbai Mint for Proof coin issues only.

About Me

I am Rajeev Prasad, a retired State Bank of India officer who had been collecting coins in a shoe box without having a serious interest. Only after quitting my job I got the time to take serious interest in developing my coin collection into a hobby. A pity, because I would have had more opportunity to lay my hands on more 'exclusive coins' while in the Bank. Anyway, as they say,better late than never. If you have any views to share with me regarding this blog , please contact me on my email rajeevprasad1208@gmail.com. I also have a twitter account @prasad_rajeev.
I had an opportunity to participate in a Documentary on the life and times of the 25 paise coin titled “Chal Basi Chavanni” (The four anna/twenty five paise coin passes away), aired by STAR NEWS on 29th and 30th June 2011. The programme helped in making many persons hold back onto their “chavannis”, the little round beauties, instead of returning them to Banks .